Torrential rain leaves a trail of destruction in ItanagarCorrespondent

ITANAGAR, Sept 14 - Flash floods and landslides triggered by torrential rain have left a trail of devastations in various parts of Arunachal Pradesh capital region here in the last 24 hours with at least two persons dead and three others missing after being washed away and dozens of houses damaged.

The worst-affected are Donyi-Polo Colony and Modirijo village. At Modirijo, besides large scale property damages, three members of a family, including a minor, were drowned early this morning around 4.30 am. Later, the body of the kid, identified as Kojam Beyong (3), was retrieved from downstream area at Naharlagun and handed over to the family. Those who went missing are Mary Beyong (32) and her 10-year-old daughter Pangpi Beyong.

At Donyi Polo Colony, three persons were washed away by floodwaters. However, two of them – Taring Yaha (50) and Rake Naku (30) – were rescued and undergoing medical treatment, while the third, Mohan Bahadur Chetry (50), is missing.

At Jami Jate near Donyi Polo Colony, one Yadi Rigio was drowned and his body was retrieved from Modirijo but she succumbed to her injuries at hospital.

A search and rescue operation is underway to trace the missing people. The operation is being conducted by the district administration along with police and NDRF personnel, official sources said.

Few cars and motorbikes have also been reportedly swept away in the flooded river. People residing in flood prone areas have been asked to immediately shift to safer places. The district administration has opened temporary relief camps for the affected people.

Reports of widespread damages by flash floods and landslides are also pouring in from Lobby, Chandranagar areas. Reports of massive landslide in Potin to Pangin portion of NH-13 near Aalo-Bam-Pusi-Doke-Tirbin, Hoj-Potin and some other parts of the State have also been received.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu has expressed deep shock and sorrow over the loss of precious lives at Modirijo and Donyi-Polo area due to landslide this morning.

Conveying his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, Khandu announced immediate release of ex-gratia payment of Rs 4 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and prayed for early recovery of those recuperating in the hospitals.